App Center Alternatives for React Native Developers

Microsoft’s decision to discontinue and sunset App Center has left many React Native developers searching for reliable alternatives. If you’ve been using App Center for building, testing, and distributing your apps, it’s time to explore new solutions. In this guide, we’ll break down the best App Center alternatives to help you keep your workflow efficient and uninterrupted.

Why Is App Center Being Discontinued?

App Center has been a go-to choice for mobile developers, providing CI/CD capabilities, automated testing, and distribution for iOS and Android apps. However, Microsoft has decided to sunset the platform, leaving teams to find replacement services that meet their needs. Therefore, selecting the right alternative is crucial. The key factors in choosing an alternative include build automation, real-device testing, seamless app distribution, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Best App Center Alternatives for React Native

1. EAS (Expo Application Services)

For teams using EAS, it provides an all-in-one solution for building, updating, and distributing React Native apps. As a result, it is one of the best alternatives to App Center, especially for projects already leveraging Expo.

• Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Expo projects
  • No need for local machine setup
  • Cloud-based builds for iOS and Android
  • EAS Update serves as an alternative to CodePush, allowing for seamless OTA updates
• Cons:
  • Primarily geared toward Expo-managed projects
  • Limited flexibility for bare React Native apps

2. Hot Updater (Self-Hosted CodePush Alternative)

If you relied on App Center for CodePush, a crucial feature for deploying over-the-air updates, you need a replacement. Fortunately, one of the best open-source alternatives is Hot Updater. This is my personal favourite CodePush replacement. It provides similar functionality while allowing you to self-host your own OTA update solution.

• Pros:
  • Self-hosted, offering full control over updates
  • Supports both iOS and Android
  • Intuitive web console for managing versions
  • Plugin support for various storage providers (AWS S3, Supabase, etc.)
• Cons:
  • Requires infrastructure setup and maintenance
  • Needs DevOps expertise for proper implementation

3. Bitrise

Bitrise is one of the most popular CI/CD platforms for mobile development. It offers cloud-based automation, supports React Native out of the box, and provides a flexible pipeline system for building, testing, and deploying apps. Consequently, many teams transitioning from App Center have found it to be a reliable alternative.

• Pros:
  • Pre-configured workflows for React Native
  • Easy integration with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket
  • Supports both iOS and Android
• Cons:
  • Limited free-tier resources
  • Learning curve for advanced workflow customization

4. Codemagic

Codemagic is another excellent CI/CD tool that specializes in mobile development. It supports React Native projects and simplifies the build and deployment process with minimal configuration. Additionally, its user-friendly approach makes it a strong choice for teams looking for a quick transition.

• Pros:
  • Optimized for React Native
  • Automated iOS code signing
  • Integration with Google Play and App Store
• Cons:
  • Can get expensive for teams with heavy usage
  • Limited concurrent builds on the free plan

5. Firebase App Distribution

If your primary need is distributing pre-release versions of your app, Firebase App Distribution is a great alternative to App Center’s distribution feature. Moreover, it integrates well with other Firebase tools, making it an appealing choice for teams already using Firebase.

• Pros:
  • Easy tester management
  • Integrates with Firebase Crashlytics for monitoring
  • Works for both iOS and Android
• Cons:
  • No built-in CI/CD
  • Requires additional tools for automated builds

Choosing the Right App Center Alternative for Your React Native Project

The best App Center alternative depends on your specific needs:

• For full CI/CD: Bitrise or Codemagic
• For scalable builds: CircleCI
• For Expo projects: EAS (Expo Application Services)
• For simple app distribution: Firebase App Distribution
• For over-the-air updates (CodePush alternative): Hot Updater

As App Center sunsets, transitioning to a new platform early will help ensure a smooth workflow. Consequently, by selecting the right alternative, you can continue to build, test, distribute, and update your React Native apps with minimal disruption.